Modular plug-and-play power distribution system for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A modular power distribution system for use on a vehicle having an electric power source. The system includes a power distribution block having a switch socket with a first format, a device socket having a second format, associated with the switch socket to form a socket pair, a relay electrically coupling the switch socket to the device socket, and input power terminals electrically coupled to the socket pair and the relay, and configured to be electrically coupled to the electric power source. A switch wire harness includes a switch plug having a first complemental format configured to be removably received by the first format of the switch socket. A device wire harness includes a device plug having a second complemental format configured to be removably received by the second format of the device socket.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to electronic accessories forvehicles and, more particularly, to devices for adding aftermarketelectrical accessories to vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Adding electrically operated devices to a vehicle is a well-establishedcustom for users of many vehicle types. Electrically operated devicessuch as spotlights, light bars, interior lights, and the like, inaddition to electromechanical devices such as pumps, horns, winches, andthe like, can add functionality and convenience to a vehicle.Unfortunately, installing aftermarket devices using a vehicle'selectrical system often requires specialized skills. Many individualsdesiring these devices have no idea how to install them properly. Thesedevices are often wired directly to a vehicle's electrical systemthrough the vehicle's fuse box. Other methods can be even more confusingand difficult for less technical individuals. Therefore, installingthese devices requires one learn how to add discrete components to theexisting electrical system available in the vehicle. Various lightingand other additions can also each take a separate circuit in thevehicle's fuse box, limiting the number of additions. To some, this maybe a relatively simple process to learn. It is not easy for others andwill likely be avoided by not adding additional devices or usingprofessional technicians for the installation, increasing the costsubstantially. Either way, there is a learning curve to overcome throughstudy or previous knowledge. Furthermore, errors in installing devicescan damage the vehicle or the devices. Accordingly, continuedimprovement in the art is evident.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, to achieve the desired objects and advantages of the instantinvention, provided is a modular power distribution system. The modularpower distribution system includes a power distribution block with aswitch socket having a first format and a device socket having a secondformat different from the first format. The switch socket and the devicesocket form a designated socket pair. A relay electrically couples theswitch socket to the device socket. The relay, when powered, closes acircuit between the switch socket and the device socket. Input powerterminals electrically coupled to the socket pair and the relay areconfigured to be electrically coupled to an electric power source. Aswitch wire harness includes wiring having a plug end and a switch end.A switch plug is electrically coupled to the plug end. The switch plughas a first complemental format configured to be removably received bythe first format of the switch socket. A device wire harness includeswiring having a plug end and a device end and a device plug electricallycoupled to the plug end. The device plug has a second complementalformat configured to be removably received by the second format of thedevice socket.

The power distribution block can further include a second switch sockethaving the first format and a second device socket having the secondformat. The second switch socket and the second device socket form asecond designated socket pair distinguishable from the designated socketpair. A second relay electrically couples the second switch socket tothe second device socket. The input power terminals are electricallycoupled to the second designated socket pair and the second relay.

The designated socket pair is distinguished from the second designatedsocket pair by positioning the switch socket and the device socket ofthe designated socket pair in opposition to one another and positioningthe second switch socket and the second device socket of the seconddesignated socket pair in opposition to one another.

The modular power distribution system can include a signal receivercoupled to the switch socket and the switch wire harness replaced with acontrol unit. The control unit includes a signal generator which isselectively operable. The signal generator selectively generates asignal associated with the signal receiver to close a circuit betweenthe switch socket and the device socket.

Also provided is a method of installing electrically operated devices ona vehicle. The method includes providing a vehicle with an electricpower source. Providing a power distribution block including a switchsocket having a first format and a device socket having a second formatdifferent from the first format. The switch socket and the device socketform a designated socket pair. A relay electrically couples the switchsocket to the device socket. Input power terminals are electricallycoupled to the socket pair and the relay. Additional steps includemounting the power distribution block to the vehicle and connecting theelectric power source to the input power terminals of the powerdistribution block. The relay is automatically closed upon being poweredby the electric power source, closing a circuit between the switchsocket and the device socket. A further step includes providing a switchwire harness including wiring having a plug end and a switch end, aswitch plug electrically coupled to the plug end, the switch plug havinga first complemental format configured to be removably received by thefirst format of the switch socket. Inserting the switch plug into theswitch socket. A method according to the invention further includesproviding a device harness including wiring having a plug end and adevice end, a device plug electrically coupled to the plug end, and thedevice plug having a second complemental format configured to beremovably received by the second format of the device socket. Furthersteps then include inserting the device plug into the device socket,coupling a switch to the switch end, coupling a device to the deviceend, and operating the device using the switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific objects and advantages of the invention will become readilyapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription of illustrative embodiments thereof, taken in conjunctionwith the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle incorporating a modular powerdistribution system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial view of an interior cockpit of the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a center console of thevehicle as designated by circle 3 in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the modular power distribution system accordingto the present invention with attached devices;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a power distribution block of themodular power distribution system of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the power distribution block of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the power distribution block of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the power distribution block of themodular power distribution system of FIG. 4 with attached mountingplate;

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of the modular power distributionblock taken along lines 9-9 of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the power distribution block with attachedmounting plate of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mounting plate of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the mounting plate of FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is a partial top perspective view of the engine compartment ofthe vehicle illustrating a portion of the modular power distributionsystem mounted therein;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a switch wire harness andunattached switch;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the switch wire harness andunattached switch of FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the uncoupled switch andswitch connector;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the switch and switchconnector of FIG. 16 coupled together with the switch in the offposition;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the switch and switchconnector of FIG. 17 coupled together with the switch in the onposition;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a device wire harness and attacheddevice;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a switch wire harness with free ends ofwires for switch connection;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a device wire harness with free ends ofwires for device connection;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the power distribution block of themodular power distribution system of FIG. 4 illustrating a switch wireharness and a device wire harness position for attachment to a socketpair;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the power distribution block of themodular power distribution system of FIG. 22 illustrating a switch wireharness and a device wire harness attached to a socket pair;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the modular power distribution system accordingto the present invention with free wire ends for attachment to devices;

FIG. 25 is a top view of another embodiment of a power distributionblock;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the power distribution block of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the power distribution block of awireless switch embodiment of the modular power distribution system;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a wireless switch assembly according tothe present invention;

FIG. 29 is a front exploded view of the wireless switch assembly of FIG.28 ;

FIG. 30 is a rear exploded view of the wireless switch assembly of FIG.28 ;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a powerdistribution block of a wireless switch embodiment of the modular powerdistribution system;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a power distribution block illustratingprotective elements used thereon;

FIG. 33 is perspective view of a switch socket blank;

FIG. 34 is perspective view of a device socket blank; and

FIG. 35 is perspective view of a fuse cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, like reference characters indicatingcorresponding elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-3illustrate a vehicle generally designated 10. Referring in relevant partto FIGS. 1-3 , vehicle 10 in this specific embodiment is an off-roadvehicle having a body 12 defining a vehicle cockpit 14 rearward of anengine compartment 15 housing an engine and other standard components. Adashboard 16 with a center console 18 separates engine compartment 15from vehicle cockpit 14. A modular power distribution system, generallydesignated 20 in FIG. 1 , is installed in vehicle 10. While vehicle 10is an off-road vehicle in this embodiment, the person having ordinaryskill in the art will readily appreciate that modular power distributionsystem 20 is useful with other ground transportation vehicles such ascars, trucks, busses and the like. Furthermore, the term “vehicle” asused herein, is not limited to ground transportation vehicles. Modularpower distribution system 20 is useful for installing electricalaccessories to the electrical power source of other vehicles, includingboats, aircraft, or any other vehicle having an electrical power source.

With additional reference to FIG. 4 , illustrated is a preferredembodiment of modular power distribution system 20. Modular powerdistribution system 20 includes a power distribution block 22 coupledbetween a power system of vehicle 10, described below, and at least onedevice 23. Device 23 is chosen from various electronically operatedaccessories such as pumps, horns, lights, etc. While modular powerdistribution system 20 can include a single device 23, it incorporatessix devices 23 in FIGS. 1, 2 , and 4, although it can incorporate lessor more devices 23. In this example, device 23A is a bar light mountedon top of body 12 above vehicle cockpit 14, device 23B is an electricwinch mounted on the front of body 12 forward of engine compartment 15,and device 23C is a bar light 23C mounted on the front of body 12 abovethe electric winch 23B. Device 23D is a spotlight mounted on one side ofbody 12 proximate to the front of vehicle cockpit 14, device 23E is aspotlight on the opposing side of body 12, and device 23F is an interiorlight 23F mounted within vehicle cockpit 14 in FIG. 2 . Devices 23 arepresented by way of example to show the diversity of the differentdevices capable of being used with modular power distribution system 20.Each device 23 is coupled to the power system of the vehicle throughpower distribution block 22.

In FIG. 4 , system 20 includes device wire harnesses 24 coupling devices23 to power distribution block 22 and switch wire harnesses 25 couplingswitches 27 to power distribution block 22. In FIGS. 2 and 3 , switches27 are mounted on center console 18 of dashboard 16 for convenientaccess, and other accessible locations are useful in alternativeembodiments. Modular power distribution system 20 is an exemplaryplug-and-play system including modular or self-contained components,namely switch wire harnesses 25, switches 27, device wire harnesses 24,and devices 23, configured to be easily connected without confusion, theuse of specialized tools, or the need for specialized skill. Device wireharnesses 24 and switch wire harnesses 25 have different formats forcoupling to power distribution module 22. The different formats betweendevice wire harnesses 24 and switch wire harnesses 25 prevent theunknowing interchanging of these parts.

In FIGS. 5-7 , power distribution block 22 is entirely self-contained.It includes a base 30 with a front side 32, a back side 35, and aperipheral edge 37 with threaded apertures 38 formed through the cornersthereof, extending from the front side 32 to the back side 35. Withadditional reference to FIG. 4 , power distribution block 22 furtherincludes switch sockets 40, device sockets 42, relays 44, fuses 46, andterminals 48. In FIGS. 5-7 , switch sockets 40 extend from front side 32of base 30 in an array or bank of switch sockets 40, and device sockets42 extend from front side 32 of base 30 in an array or bank of devicesockets 42. Relays 44 extend from front side 32 of base 30 in an arrayor bank of relays 44, and fuses 46 extend from front side 32 of base 30in an array or bank of fuses 46. Each switch socket 40 from the array ofswitch sockets 40 associates with a different device socket 42 of thearray of device sockets 42. In this manner, one switch socket 40 and onedevice socket 42 form a socket pair electrically coupled by anassociated relay 44 from the array of relays 44. Thus, each relay 44 ofthe array of relays 44 associates with one socket pair. In addition,each fuse 46 of the array of fuses 46 associates with one socket pair.The switch socket 40 and device socket 42 of each socket pair directlyoppose one another clearly and un-mistakenly designating each pair ofsockets 40 and 42. To achieve this positioning, switch sockets 40 anddevice sockets 42 are each formed in their respective array, each arrayis linear, and the arrays are parallel to one another. In thisembodiment, relays 44 are each between their associated socket pair.However, the positioning of relays 44 is not critical because the userdoes not interact with relays 44 during installation. Accordingly,relays 44 can be positioned in any convenient location. The describedrelationship of each socket pair visually and positionally designatesthe socket pairs from one another to the ordinary observer.

In FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 , switch sockets 40 and device sockets 42 havedifferent formats. For example, each switch socket 40 is a triangularshape with a three-prong connector. Each device socket 42 is arectangular shape with a two-prong connector. The formats of switchsockets 40 are identical, the formats of device sockets 42 areidentical, and the formats of switch sockets 40 are different from theformats of device sockets 42. The different formats of the switchsockets 40 from the device sockets 42 disable unintentional connectionof the wrong components and enable the fitting of only the correctcomponents. Other different formats are useful. Power input terminals 48are configured to be coupled to a vehicle's electrical power source forpowering power distribution block 22 and each switch and devicecomponent coupled to power distribution block 22.

In FIGS. 8 and 10 , power distribution block 22 is fixed to a mountingplate 50. Referring also to FIGS. 11 and 12 , mounting plate 50 includesa support portion 52 and a hanger portion 54 that extends at an anglefrom support portion 52. Support portion 52 has a top surface 56configured to receive thereon back side 35 of power distribution block22. Threaded apertures 58 extending through support portion 52 ofmounting plate 50 proximate to the corners thereof align with threadedapertures 38 extending through power distribution block 22 when powerdistribution block 22 is properly positioned on top surface 56. Fasteneropenings 60 through hanger portion 54 accommodate fasteners to securemounting plate 50 to vehicle 10 releasably. FIG. 9 is an enlargedsectional view of an attachment point between power distribution block22 and mounting plate 50. A screw 59 threaded concurrently throughthreaded aperture 38 of power distribution block 22 and threadedaperture 58 of support portion 52 secures power distribution block 22 tomounting plate 50. Screw 59 is countersunk to provide a flush interfacewith peripheral edge 37.

With additional reference to FIG. 13 , mounting plate 50 serves toattached power distribution block 22 to vehicle 10. Mounting plate 50can attach power distribution block 22 to any convenient location. Inthis embodiment, mounting plate 50 secures power distribution block 22within engine compartment 15 to a firewall or other structure, in thiscase a frame member 62 receiving hanger portion 54 there against.Fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, clips, ties, and the like, extendthrough fastener openings 60 and engage frame member 62, fixedlyattaching mounting plate to vehicle 10. Power cables 65 extend from anelectrical power source 66 of vehicle 10 and attach conventionally topower input terminals 48. Typically, cables 65 are a power, ground, andignition lines.

Switch wire harnesses 25 are configured to couple switches 27 to powerdistribution block 22 in FIG. 4 . As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , eachswitch wire harness 25 includes wires 70 having plug ends 72 coupled toa switch plug 73 and opposing switch ends 75 coupled to a switchconnector 76. Switch plug 73 has a complemental format matching theformat of switch socket 40 of power distribution block 22. Switch plug73 is fixedly fastened to ends 72 in this embodiment. Switch connector76 receives complemental connector 78 from switch 27, electricallycoupling switch 27 to switch harness 25. In this embodiment, switchconnector 76 includes five prong receiving members, and complementalconnector 78 includes five prongs received by the five prong receivingmembers. This provides a secure physical and electrical connectionbetween switch 27 and switch wire harness 25. Other formats are usefulfor switch connector 76 and complemental connector 78 in alternateembodiments according to the skill attributed to the skilled artisan. Inthis manner, various switches 27, having complemental connectors 78 withthe same format as switch connector 76, can be used, easily replacingswitches 27 if desired. FIG. 16 illustrates complemental connector 78 ofswitch 27 prepared to be inserted into switch connector 76 shown as itwould appear configured with a protective shroud. FIG. 17 corresponds toFIG. 16 and illustrates complemental connector 78 of switch 27 insertedinto switch connector 76, electrically coupling switch 27 to switchharness 25 with the switch 27 in an off position (opened switch) fordeactivating its corresponding device. FIG. 18 illustrates switchconnector 76 electrically coupling switch 27 to switch harness 25 withthe switch 27 toggled to an on position (closed switch) for activatingits corresponding device. Ends 75 can be hardwired to switch connector76 allowing for quick and easy replacement of switch 27 in FIG. 18 , orinclude ends 75 in FIG. 20 free to be wired to switch 27 as desired andshown in FIG. 20 . Switch wire harnesses 25 having hardwired switchconnector 76 require switches 27 have the same complemental connectorformat, while switch wire harnesses 25 having ends 75 free allow moreflexibility with the selection of switches 27.

Device wire harnesses 24 are configured to couple devices 23 to powerdistribution block 22 in FIG. 4 . When switch wire harnesses 25 coupleswitches 27 to power distribution block 22 and device wire harnesses 24couple devices 23 to power distribution block 22 in FIG. 4 , switches 27are operatively coupled to the respective devices 23, wherein eachdevice 23 is deactivated when its corresponding switch 27 is off andactivated when its corresponding switch 27 is on.

In FIG. 19 , each device wire harness 24 includes wires 80 with plugends 82 coupled to a device plug 83 and the opposing device ends 85coupled to device 23. Device plug 83 has a complemental format thatmatches the format of device socket 42 of power distribution block 22and specifically does not have the same format as switch plug 73. Deviceplug 83 is fastened fixedly to ends 82 in this embodiment. Ends 85 canbe hardwired to device 23 as shown in FIG. 19 , or include ends 85 freeto be wired to devices 23 as desired and shown in FIG. 21 . Device wireharnesses 24 having hardwired devices 23 would be provided with therespective device 23, while device wire harnesses 24 having ends 85allow devices 23 to be provided separately and wired when needed,increasing flexibility and types of devices available.

Device wire harnesses 24 and switch wire harnesses 25 each electricallycouple devices 23 and switches 27 to power distribution block 22 as canbe seen with reference to FIGS. 4, 22, and 23 . FIG. 22 illustratessystem 20 with switch plug 73 of switch wiring harness 25 positioned tobe inserted into a selected one of switch sockets 40 of the array ofswitch sockets 40 to electrically couple switch 27 to power distributionblock 22. Device plug 83 of device wiring harness 24 is positioned to beinserted into one of device sockets 42 of the array of device sockets 42associated with the selected switch socket 40 as a socket pair toelectrically couple device 23 to power distribution block 22 and therebyelectrically and operatively couple switch 27 to device 23 through thesocket pair of power distribution block 22. FIG. 23 illustrates switchplug 73 and device plug 83 inserted in switch socket 40 and devicesocket 42 of a socket pair operatively coupling the switch 27 to itscorresponding device 23, which activates when its corresponding switch27 is on and deactivates when its corresponding switch 27 is off. Asdescribed previously, a specific device 23 to be controlled by aspecific switch 27 are inserted into device socket 42 and switch socket40 associated as a socket pair and electrically coupled by one of arelay 44 from the array of relays 44 to form a circuit coupled to thevehicle electric power source. In this embodiment, an additional fivesocket pairs with associated relays 44 and fuses 46 are provided. Eachsocket pair with associated switch wire harness 25 and associated devicewire harness complete a circuit within power distribution block 22. Oneof ordinary skill in the art will understand that power distributionblock 22 can incorporate more or less socket pairs as desired.

In FIG. 4 , a switch wire harness 25 and a device wire harness 24 iscoupled to each switch socket 40 and device socket 42 electricallycoupling the opposing switch 27 and device 23 of each socket pair. Whenpower is applied to input terminals 48 from the electrical power sourceof vehicle 10, each relay 44 of the array of relays 44 is automaticallyenergized and closed to complete an electrical connection between devicesocket 42 and switch socket 40 of each socket pair. Relays 44 are inseparate circuits from the device/switch circuits of each socket pair.Thus, one lead of the switch socket is connected to one lead of thedevice socket. Also, one lead or contact of each of the fuses isconnected to the power and the other lead is connected to the secondlead of the device socket. The other lead of the switch socket isconnected to a power return (e.g. ground or a negative lead of the powersource) to complete each device/switch circuit in a socket pair. Thus,when the device is plugged into the device socket and the switch isplugged into the switch socket of a socket pair, closing or turning theswitch to the on position completes a circuit through power distributionblock 22 for that socket pair and causes the device to operate. Fusesare on the hot side of the line of the socket pair so when a fuse blowsthe entire circuit is open.

FIG. 24 illustrates modular power distribution system 20 with switchwire harnesses 25 and device wire harnesses 24 attached to socket pairsof power distribution block 22 with ends 75 and 85 free and not yetattached to switches 27 or devices 23. In this exemplary embodiment, anyselected switch or device can be attached to system 20.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate another embodiment of a power distributionblock 122 for use as a part of modular power distribution system 20.Power distribution block 122 is entirely self-contained and includes abase 130 having a front side 132, a back side 135, and a peripheral edge137 with threaded apertures 138 formed through the corners thereof andextending from the front side 132 to back side 135. Power distributionblock 122 includes a switch socket 140, a device socket 142, a relay144, and a fuse 146. Switch socket 140, device socket 142, relay 144,and fuse extend from front side 132 of base 130. Switch socket 140associates with device socket 142 forming a socket pair. The socket pairincludes switch socket 140 and device socket 142 electrically coupled byrelay 144. Fuse 146 operatively associates with the socket pair. In thisembodiment of power distribution block 122, specific positioning ofswitch socket 140 and device socket 142 is not necessary to designatethe socket pair since its designation is clear, with only two socketsbeing present. Relay 144 and fuse 146 are positioned adjacent to thesocket pair. Power input terminals 148 are configured to receiveelectrical power from an electric power source and are in electriccommunication with the socket pair.

Power distribution block 122 in FIGS. 25 and 26 is configured to bemounted in a manner similar to power distribution block 22, includingusing a mounting plate 50 (not shown) fixed to power distribution block122 with screws threaded concurrently through apertures 138 intoapertures formed in mounting plate 50. A switch wire harness 25 and adevice wire harness 24, as previously described, can be coupled toswitch socket 140 and device socket 142, respectively, as designated bythe format of the sockets to electrically couple switch 27 and device 23to power distribution block 122. When power is applied to inputterminals 148 from the electrical power source, relay 144 automaticallyenergizes and closes to complete an electrical connection between devicesocket 142 and switch socket 140 of the socket pair. When switch 27 isclosed (moved to the on position), the circuit is closed, providingelectric power to device 23.

As illustrated in FIG. 27 , in a particular embodiment, modular powerdistribution system 20 is enabled with a short-range wireless technologyconfigured to wirelessly couple switches 27 (one switch 27 is shown inFIG. 27 for illustrative purposes) to the respective relays 44 enablingeach device 23 to activate via its corresponding relay 44 when thecorresponding switch 27 is on and generates an ON signal and deactivatevia its corresponding relay 44 when the corresponding switch 27 is offand generates an OFF signal. Any suitable and readily availableshort-range wireless technology can be used. In this embodiment, eachsocket 40 receives a switch radio receiver unit 150. Switch radioreceiver unit 150, when an ON signal is received from its correspondingswitch 27, closes the circuit for the corresponding device 23 allowingelectrical power to reach device 23 and “turn it on”. Switch radioreceiver unit 150, when an OFF signal is received from its correspondingswitch 27, opens the circuit for the corresponding device 23 disablingelectrical power from reaching device 23 and “turn it off”. Switch radioreceiver unit 150 will not be described in detail, as they are wellknown, and used in many applications such as wireless lights, socketadaptors and the like. Switch radio receiver unit 150 may be configuredwith a transceiver configured to receive signals from its correspondingswitch and to send corresponding signals to a wireless receiver of adevice for turning it on and off.

With additional reference to FIGS. 28-30 , a wireless switch assembly,generally designated 170, is illustrated and acts as a control unit forthe associated devices. Referring in relevant part to FIGS. 28-30 ,wireless switch assembly 170 includes a switch enclosure 172 carrying acircuit board 173 having switch sockets 174. Switch sockets 174 have aformat, such as illustrated with multiple contacts. As discussedpreviously, any format can be employed. Switches 175, each having aswitch plug 176, are received by switch enclosure 172 and each isattachable to a separate one of switch sockets 174. Switch plugs 176have a complemental format matching the format of switch sockets 174 ofcircuit board 173. As with switch sockets 174, substantially any formatcan be employed, provided it is compatible with the format of switchsockets 174. Circuit board 173 carries a signal generator such as awireless chip 178 for each of switch sockets 174. Thus, each of switches175 is associated with one of wireless chips 178. Switch sockets 174receive switch plugs 176 from switch 175, electrically coupling switch175 to circuit board 173. When activated, each wireless chip sends asignal, such as a radio frequency signal, to an associated one of switchradio receiver unit 150.

A bracket 180 is attached to switch enclosure 172 by fasteners 182, suchas screws and the like. A battery housing 185, having a plug 189, isattached to switch enclosure 172. Battery housing 185 carries batteries187 which are electrically coupled to plug 189. A receptacle 190 iscarried by switch enclosure 172 and is electrically coupled to circuitboard 173. When battery housing 185 is fitted to switch enclosure 172,plug 189 is received by receptacle 190, powering circuit board 173. Whenone of switches 175 is moved from an off position to an on position, itactivates the associated wireless chip, powered by batteries 187, toemit a signal. The signal is received by the associated switch radioreceiver unit 150 and turns associated device 23 on or off as desired.One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that while wirelessswitch assembly 170 is used in this embodiment, other options can beused for a control unit such as smart phones and the like that havesignal generators which can match a signal receiver.

Referring in relevant part to FIG. 31 , in another embodiment, modularpower distribution system 20 is again enabled with a short-rangewireless technology configured to wirelessly couple switches 175 fromwireless switch assembly 170 to the respective relays 44 enabling eachdevice 23 to activate via its corresponding relay 44 when thecorresponding switch 175 is on and generates an ON signal and deactivatevia its corresponding relay 44 when the corresponding switch 175 is offand generates an OFF signal. Any suitable and readily availableshort-range wireless technology can be used. In this embodiment, switchsockets 40 receiving switch radio receiver units 150 have been excludedfrom power distribution block 22 and replaced with a wireless receiverchip 200 electrically coupled to relays 44. Transponders 202 mounted onpower distribution block 22 are coupled to wireless receiver chip 200for signal transmission purposes. Wireless receiver chip 200 functionsin a manner similar to switch radio receiver units 150 and cancorrespond to one or more relays 44. In the preferred embodiment,wireless receiver chip 200 includes multiple signal receivers eachcorresponding to a different one of relays 44 to actuate the associateddevice 23. Each signal receiver of wireless receiver chip 200, when anON signal is received from a corresponding switch 175 of wireless switchassembly 170, closes the circuit for the corresponding device 23allowing electrical power to reach device 23 and “turn it on”. Eachsignal receiver of wireless receiver chip 200, when an OFF signal isreceived from a corresponding switch 175 of wireless switch assembly170, opens the circuit for the corresponding device 23 disablingelectrical power from reaching device 23 and “turn it off”.

Protection of unused sockets of modular power distribution system 20 isdesirable in many circumstances. Referring to FIG. 32 , powerdistribution block 22 is illustrated with switch socket blanks 220 anddevice socket blanks 222 inserted in unused switch sockets 40 and devicesockets 42, respectively. FIG. 31 illustrates power distribution block22 with device socket blanks 222 inserted in unused device sockets 42.With additional reference to FIG. 33 , switch socket blanks 220 areconfigured to be received within switch sockets 40. To this end, socketblanks 220 have an appropriate triangular shape and receptacles 224 forreceiving the three-prong connector from switch sockets 40. Switchsocket blanks 220 can be friction fit or latched in position, and areintended to prevent dirt and moisture from entering an un-used switchsocket 40 and prevents damage and degradation thereof. One of ordinaryskill in the art will understand that switch socket 40 can have adifferent format and that switch socket blanks 220 are configured withthe appropriate format.

Still referring to FIG. 32 , with additional reference to FIG. 34 ,device socket blanks 222 are configured to be received within devicesockets 42. To this end, device socket blanks 222 have an appropriaterectangular shape and receptacles 226 for receiving the two-prongconnector from device sockets 42. Device socket blanks 222 can befriction fit or latched in position, and are intended to prevent dirtand moisture from entering an un-used device socket 42 and preventsdamage and degradation thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that device socket 42 can have a different format and thatdevice socket blanks 222 are configured with the appropriate format.

Still referring to FIG. 32 , with additional reference to FIG. 35 , afuse cover 230 is configured to be received over a fuse 46. Fuse cover230 provides impact and wear protection for fuse 46. FIG. 32 showscovers 230 each received of a corresponding one of the remaining fuses.FIG. 31 shows covers 230 each received over a corresponding fuse.

The present invention is described above with reference to illustrativeembodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that changes andmodifications may be made in the described embodiments without departingfrom the nature and scope of the present invention. Various changes andmodifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes ofillustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To theextent that such modifications and variations do not depart from thespirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within thescope thereof.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A modular power distribution system, comprising: apower distribution block comprising a socket pair and a relay; thesocket pair comprising a switch socket having a first format and adevice socket having a second format different from the first format;the first format configured to removably receive a first complementalformat of a switch plug; the second format configured to removablyreceive a second complemental format of a device plug; and the relayelectrically coupling the switch socket to the device socket, the relay,when powered, closes a circuit between the switch socket and the devicesocket.
 24. The modular power distribution system of claim 23, furthercomprising a switch electrically coupled to the switch plug.
 25. Themodular power distribution system of claim 23, further comprising thefirst format configured to removably receive a receiver unit configuredto be wirelessly coupled to a switch.
 26. The modular power distributionsystem of claim 23, further comprising a device electrically coupled tothe device plug.
 27. The modular power distribution system of claim 23,the power distribution block further comprising a fuse electricallycoupled to the socket pair.
 28. The modular power distribution system ofclaim 23, the power distribution block further comprising input powerterminals electrically coupled to the socket pair and the relay, theinput power terminals configured to be electrically coupled to anelectric power source.
 29. The modular power distribution system ofclaim 23, further comprising the socket pair and the relay electricallyconnected to an electric power source.
 30. A modular power distributionsystem, comprising: a power distribution block comprising a first socketpair, a second socket pair, a first relay, and a second relay; the firstsocket pair comprising a first switch socket having a first format and afirst device socket having a second format different from the firstformat; the second socket pair comprising a second switch socket havingthe first format and a second device socket having the second format;each said first format configured to removably receive a firstcomplemental format of a switch plug; each said second format configuredto removably receive a second complemental format of a device plug; thefirst relay electrically coupling the first switch socket to the firstdevice socket, the first relay, when powered, closes a first circuitbetween the first switch socket and the first device socket; and thesecond relay electrically coupling the second switch socket to thesecond device socket, the second relay, when powered, closes a secondcircuit between the second switch socket and the second device socket.31. The modular power distribution system of claim 30, furthercomprising a switch electrically coupled to the switch plug.
 32. Themodular power distribution system of claim 30, further comprising eachsaid first format configured to removably receive a receiver unitconfigured to be wirelessly coupled to a switch.
 33. The modular powerdistribution system of claim 30, further comprising a deviceelectrically coupled to the device plug.
 34. The modular powerdistribution system of claim 30, the power distribution block furthercomprising a first fuse electrically coupled to the first socket pairand a second fuse coupled to the second socket pair.
 35. The modularpower distribution system of claim 30, further comprising the firstsocket pair distinguishable from the second socket pair by the firstswitch socket and the first device socket positioned in opposition toone another and the second switch socket and the second device socketpositioned in opposition to one another.
 36. The modular powerdistribution system of claim 30, the power distribution block furthercomprising input power terminals electrically coupled to the firstsocket pair, the first relay, the second socket pair, and the secondrelay, the input power terminals configured to be electrically coupledto an electric power source.
 37. The modular power distribution systemof claim 30, further comprising the first socket pair, the first relay,the second socket pair, and the second relay electrically connected toan electric power source.